Sayers, After 5 Years, Leaves Southern Illinois

UPI

Published: July 14, 1981

CARBONDALE, Ill., July 13—
Gale Sayers, a member of the Professional Football Hall of Fame, announced his resignation today as athletic director at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale effective Sept. 1.

''I think the future of men's athletics in a school this size is shaky,'' Sayers said, citing increased competition for funds between men's and women's programs.

The Carbondale campus has 23,500 students. ''We have 12 men's sports and 11 women's sports and it's a problem when you have to give them equal dollars,'' he added.

Sayers, who succeeded Doug Weaver as athletic director five years ago, said in a brief statement he was quitting to pursue private business opportunities.